Fern Tree on alert for orange hawkweed

TO protect the ecosystem of kunanyi/Mount Wellington, the City of Hobart is working with Fern Tree residents to determine if orange hawkweed – an extremely invasive weed – is present on their properties.

Hawkweed detection crews are being sent to every household in Fern Tree throughout January and February, checking gardens for any presence of the weed and helping locals rid their homes of the invader.

Orange hawkweed, identifiable by its fiery red and orange flowers, is a declared weed under the Tasmanian Weed Management Act 1999.

The weed can out-compete native grasses and herbs in alpine and sub-alpine habitats.

“In Tasmania, orange hawkweed has been found in just two areas, the Central Highlands and Fern Tree,” City of Hobart fire and biodiversity program officer Elise Jeffery said.

“We believe the weed is present in small enough numbers that it can still be eradicated.”

To report orange hawkweed found on your property, please contact the City of Hobart fire and biodiversity team on phone 6238 2886.

For more information on how to identify the weed, visit hobartcity.com.au/orangehawkweed.